Frequently Asked Questions

A QR code (Quick Response code) is a two-dimensional barcode that stores information such as URLs, text, contact details, or WiFi credentials. When scanned with a smartphone camera, it instantly directs users to the encoded content.

QR codes were invented in 1994 by Denso Wave in Japan for tracking automotive parts. Today, they are widely used for contactless payments, marketing campaigns, restaurant menus, event tickets, and digital business cards.

Static QR codes encode data directly into the QR pattern. Once created, the content cannot be changed. They work offline and are ideal for permanent information like WiFi passwords or contact cards.

Dynamic QR codes use a short redirect URL. This allows you to:

• Update the destination URL anytime without reprinting
• Track scan analytics (location, device, time)
• A/B test different landing pages
• Set expiration dates or scan limits

Dynamic codes are recommended for marketing campaigns and business use where flexibility is important.

QRBase supports multiple QR code types:

• URL QR codes - Link to any website or landing page
• WiFi QR codes - Allow instant network connection without typing passwords
• vCard QR codes - Share contact information that saves directly to phone contacts
• Email QR codes - Pre-fill email addresses, subjects, and message bodies
• SMS QR codes - Open messaging apps with pre-filled content
• Plain text QR codes - Display text messages or notes

Most modern smartphones can scan QR codes using the built-in camera app:

• iPhone (iOS 11+): Open Camera app, point at QR code, tap notification
• Android (9+): Open Camera app or Google Lens, point at QR code
• Older devices: Download a free QR scanner app from your app store

Ensure good lighting and hold your phone steady about 10-15cm from the code for best results.

Creating a QR code with QRBase takes less than a minute:

1. Sign up for a free account or log in
2. Click "Create QR Code" from your dashboard
3. Select your QR code type (URL, WiFi, vCard, etc.)
4. Enter your content (URL, network details, contact info)
5. Customize colors, add a logo, choose a frame (optional)
6. Download in PNG, SVG, or PDF format

Your QR code is ready to print or share digitally.

Yes, QRBase offers extensive customization options:

• Colors - Change foreground and background colors to match your brand
• Logos - Add your company logo to the center of the QR code
• Frames - Add decorative frames with call-to-action text
• Shapes - Customize corner and dot shapes (squares, rounded, dots)

All customizations maintain scannability through built-in error correction.

The minimum recommended size depends on scanning distance:

• Business cards: Minimum 2cm x 2cm (0.8 inches)
• Flyers/brochures: Minimum 3cm x 3cm (1.2 inches)
• Posters: Minimum 5cm x 5cm (2 inches)
• Billboards: Calculate 10:1 ratio (10cm per meter of viewing distance)

Download SVG format for the highest print quality at any size.

QRBase offers three pricing tiers:

• Free Plan (0 EUR): Create up to 3 QR codes, basic scan analytics, standard customization
• Professional (5 EUR/month): Up to 50 QR codes, full analytics with geographic data, advanced styling, priority support
• Unlimited (14 EUR/month): Unlimited QR codes, API access, bulk operations, dedicated support

All plans include GDPR compliance, EU data hosting, and SSL encryption.

Yes, QRBase offers a free plan that includes:

• Up to 3 dynamic QR codes
• Basic scan analytics (total scans, recent activity)
• Color customization
• PNG and SVG downloads
• No watermarks or branding

No credit card required to start. Upgrade anytime for more features.

Yes, you can cancel your QRBase subscription at any time:

• No cancellation fees or penalties
• Access continues until the end of your billing period
• Your QR codes remain active (downgraded to free plan limits)
• Data export available before cancellation

Cancel directly from your account settings or contact support.

Yes, QRBase is fully GDPR compliant. Our privacy practices include:

• EU-based company - Registered in Denmark under EU jurisdiction
• EU data storage - All data stored on servers within the European Union
• IP anonymization - Scanner IP addresses are anonymized for analytics
• Data minimization - We only collect essential data for service functionality
• Right to erasure - Full data deletion available upon request
• Data portability - Export your data in standard formats

Read our complete Privacy Policy and GDPR Compliance pages.

For dynamic QR codes, we collect anonymized analytics data:

• Timestamp - When the scan occurred
• Country/City - Approximate location (derived from anonymized IP)
• Device type - Mobile, tablet, or desktop
• Browser/OS - Chrome, Safari, iOS, Android, etc.
• Referrer - Where the scan originated (if available)

We do not collect personal information from scanners. IP addresses are anonymized immediately and never stored in full.

QR codes themselves are safe, but malicious actors can create codes linking to harmful content. Best practices:

• Check the URL preview before visiting (most phones show this)
• Scan codes from trusted sources only
• Be cautious of codes that seem out of place or tampered with
• Use a QR scanner app that previews URLs before opening

QRBase QR codes always redirect through our secure servers, providing an additional layer of protection.

It depends on the type:

• Static QR codes - Never expire. The data is encoded directly in the pattern.
• Dynamic QR codes - Work as long as your QRBase account is active. Free accounts remain active indefinitely.

With QRBase, you can optionally set expiration dates or scan limits on dynamic codes for time-limited campaigns.

Common reasons and solutions:

• Too small - Print at minimum 2cm x 2cm for close-range scanning
• Low contrast - Ensure strong contrast between QR code and background
• Damaged/blurry - Reprint at higher quality or use SVG format
• Too much customization - Reduce logo size or simplify colors
• Poor lighting - Ensure adequate lighting when scanning
• Camera issues - Clean camera lens, ensure focus

Test your QR code on multiple devices before mass printing.

Choose based on your use case:

• PNG - Best for digital use (websites, emails, social media). Raster format at fixed resolution.
• SVG - Best for print. Vector format scales to any size without quality loss.
• PDF - Good for print with embedded vector graphics. Compatible with most design software.

For professional printing, always use SVG or PDF to ensure crisp output at any size.